World Trade Center

Through the steam of my coffee this morning, I heard the news anchor mention the fire station at 75th and Conser. That's right around the corner from my house, so I perked up and paid attention. They went on to report that an I-beam from the World Trade Center would be making it's way from the fire station at 75th and Conser down Metcalf Ave to the Sprint Campus for a ceremony before being memorialized in a fire training center. I thought that might be neat to see. Plus, it was on the news, so it was kind of important, maybe someone would want to interview me and my adorable children!

Alas, I did not have time to shower, but I did freshen my makeup. (I realized the foolishness of this when I stepped out into the 90 degree heat, but it never hurts to be prepared. I'm always surprised at the people that don't take the time for that. There was a shooting? Comb your hair! Witness a robbery? Put on a nicer shirt! Anyway, it turned out to be a moot point.)

Since it would pass by on Metcalf, a mere half-block away, I loaded the babies in the wagon and made sure everyone had a water. We made our way up the street, found a nice shady spot, and waited. And waited. And waited. I should have taken into account that I was going to be following the schedule of firefighters. They must have taken a call. Fortunately, the kids did pretty well.

And no, there was no one that wanted to interview us. In fact, there was no one there waiting to see this piece of history drive by. I'm sure I looked like a fool. (And for those of you not in the loop, I still only have three children! The little girl with no hair-and therefore not a Connelly- is my darling niece, Teagen!)

Finally, the procession topped the hill. First came the motorcycle escort.

This most impressed McKenna. After she got over the fact that we were NOT going to McDonald's!

The motorcycles were followed by the firetruck. I wish it had turned it's sirens on. Or it's lights. Something. But Madelynn thought it was cool. She waved-very enthusiastically. Nothing.

And finally, the semi.

It was a quick, little moment. And I admit, I got a little choked up.

I lived on the east coast, in Baltimore during September 2001. My friend worked near the Pentagon and I was downtown that day. I'd been to New York City for shopping and sightseeing several times and knew a few people that lived there. So, this terrible event in history was far more personal for me than a lot of my neighbors here in the midwest.

I am thankful that I got the chance to stand on the side of the road, looking like a fool and pay my respects to that hunk of steel as it made it's way slowly past.